Martyrs of the Rule of Law

Martyrs of the Rule of Law. . , Martyrs of the Rule of Law , On 30th June 1982, during the curfew hours, three eminent High Court Judges and a retired Army Officer, namely: Mr. Justice Frederick Poku Sarkodee, Mrs. Justice Cecilia Afran Koranteng-Addow, Mr. Justice Kwadwo Agyei Agyepong and Major (Rtd) Sam Acquah were abducted from their homes and brutally murdered at the Bundase Military Range in the Accra Plains. The bodies of these hapless victims were then doused with petrol and set on fire. By divine intervention in the form of a light rainfall, which quenched the fire, the bodies were not wholly consumed., This led to the discovery of a most heinous crime the abduction and murder of these innocent victims. These eminent Judges were made to pay the ultimate price for their singular and unwavering dedication to the Rule of Law and impartial administration of Justice. This memorial is intended to help us draw inspiration from these gallant martyrs so that we can, as a Nation, rededicate ourselves jointly and severally to the cherished goals and principles on whose altar they made the supreme sacrifice: Lest We Forget., Mr. Justice Kwadwo Agyei Agyepong , Was born at Oyoko, Ashanti on November 11, 1926 and educated at Mfantsipim School, Cape Coast, Wesley College, Kumasi, and Kings College, University of London where he graduated with a Bachelor of Laws Degree in 1958 and was called to the Inner Temple, London, in February 1960. He joined the Judiciary in Ghana on September 27, 1977 as a judge of the Hight Court., He is remembered for his simple and unassuming character, his prodigious capacity for work and his abhorrence for violence. He was a committed father, husband and Judge., Mr. Justice Frederick Poku Sarkodee , Was born at Koforidua on August 19, 1929 and educated at Adisadel College, Cape Coast, Fourah Bay College, Sierra Leone, and was admitted to the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple, London in 1957. He was called to Bar on 12th July, 1960., He was an efficient and capable prosecutor with the Attorney General’s Office. He joined the Judiciary as a High Court Judge in May 1971., He was a calm gentleman and exhibited courtesy, fairness and firmness in his work., He was committed to his family, his work and his God., Mrs. Justice Cecilia Afran Koranteng-Addow , Was born at Assin Nsuta on May 24, 1936 and educated at Holy Child School, Cape Coast, and the University of Hull, England, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Law (Honours) Degree and was called to the English Bar at Lincoln’s Inn, London in June 1963., She joined the Judiciary in Ghana on 9th July 1966 as a District Magistrate and was promoted to a Circuit Court Judge on 6th October, 1971. She was appointed a Judge of the High Court on 1st October, 1977., She is remembered for her courageous conviction, impeccable integrity, keen sense of justice and firm control of her court. She was a deeply religious mother, wife and Judge., These busts were unveiled by His Excellency John Agyekum Kufuor, President of the Republic of Ghana assisted by the Rt. Hon. Peter Ala Adjetey, Speaker of Parliament and Justice George Kingsley Acquah, Lord Chief Justice on Monday, 28th June 2004